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Are you a Thalassophile? Are you fond of archipelagos? Then, Andaman and Nicobar island must be in your travel list. The azure sky, turquoise water, and white beaches are definitely a treat to the eyes and beyond bliss. Whether you’ve been to Andaman and Nicobar or are planning to be there sometime soon, here’s what you need to know. Presenting to you 7 quite unfamiliar facts about these bonny islands: 1. The name is derived from Malayam language: One of 7 union territories, Andaman and Nicobar have a significant story behind its name. “Andaman” originates from the word Hanuman, the Hindu deity and “Nicobar” stands from being the land of naked people. 2. Andamanese or Nicobarese aren’t the most popularly spoken languages here: As ironic as it might sound, Bengali, Hindi, and English are mostly spoken by people in Andaman and Nicobar. According to the Census 2001, the top 3 linguistic constituency in Andaman and Nicobar is as follows- a) Bengali- 25.7% b) Hindi-18.2% c) Tamil-17.7%… 3. The Sentinelese prefer remaining isolated, detached from the outsiders: The tribe has remained a resident of these islands for the past 60,000 years. In spite of recurring efforts of Government the tribe prefers to remain in isolation. They use bows and arrows to hunt, stay in houses made of trees. Aftermath the tragic 2004 tsunami, about 300 people of this race continue to live and the Indian Government wants to preserve this tribe and its culture. 4. Home to the largest sea turtles in the world: Andaman and Nicobar, being rich in flora and fauna population, continues to be the home to several endangered and rare marine species, one of which is the leatherback turtle. Addition to this, it also hosts a range of green turtles and hawksbill turtle as well. 5. Andaman and Nicobar is a no-fishing zone!: In order to preserve the marine life in Andaman, the Government has prohibited commercial fishery. Also, because Andaman and Nicobar is one of the very few places in the world where fish actually get to live their entire life and die at the right age. 6. Slice of Andaman in our currency: Take an INR 20 rupee note and what do you see? Well, you guessed it right, the scenery depicts Andaman and Nicobar! Bet you didn’t know that! 7. Do you know what’s the state animal of Andaman and Nicobar island? It’s Dugong. The dolphins-like marine mammal is especially hunted for its meat and oil. However, not in Andaman, though!